Lower extremity exerciser device for exercise and support

ABSTRACT

An exercise system can include an exercise device and a sliding board that when used together may help patients regain strength and mobility during lower limb rehabilitative exercises. The exercise device may include a foot support body; a support wall extending vertically upward on one side of the foot support; a divider wall extending vertically upward from the support body and extending transversely from an opposing side of the foot support body; an ankle bed rest defined by a space from the support wall and around the divider wall; and a smooth bottom surface. The sliding board can have a smooth top surface that is slidable relative to the smooth bottom surface of the exercise device.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/920,791 filed May 17, 2019, which provisional is incorporatedherein by specific reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an exercise system having an exercisedevice and sliding board that can be used with rehabilitative exercises.

Description of Related Art

Patients often require rehabilitative exercises to strengthen andrestore movement of their limbs following injury or surgery. Exercisesmay include movements that focus on certain muscles in need ofstrengthening or restoration of movement. Patients may be unable toperform certain movements, however, without supporting the target limbor supporting other limbs. For example, neurological patients andorthopedic patients may require lower extremity support forrehabilitation of knee, ankle, and hip joint movement exercises.Additionally, support devices may be needed to isolate movements amongone or more defined joint movements, such that the movement exercise islimited to one or few joint movements.

Often, a patient is confined to a bed following a surgery so that theyare required to perform any rehabilitative exercises in the bed. Also,some patients may try to use an exercise mat (e.g., compressible foam)to give them padding from a hard floor. However, performingrehabilitative exercises on the bed or the compressible foam exercisemat can cause indentions in the bed or mat from the weight of the bodyand/or exercise device.

Previously, U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,799 provided an exercise device forlower limbs and ankle rehabilitative exercises. However, this devicesuffers from causing indentations in a bed, mat, or other softsupporting device, and the indentations restrict movement or prevent thepatient from adequately performing the rehabilitative exercise.

Thus, there is a need for improved support devices or systems to bothisolate and facilitate proper movements for rehabilitative purposes thatcan be used on a soft, compressible surface that forms indentations fromweight (e.g., bed, exercise mat, etc.).

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, and the present invention is a lower extremitypositioning exerciser. The lower extremity exerciser can be used toprovide positioning and support to the lower extremity. The lowerextremity exerciser can be used in an exercise system that can includethe lower extremity exerciser (i.e., exercise device) and a slidingboard. The exercise device can include: a foot support body; a supportwall extending vertically upward from the foot support body and locatedalong medial side of the foot support body; a divider wall extendingvertically upward from the support body and extending transverselytoward the support wall from an opposing lateral side of the footsupport body; an ankle bed rest between the rotational restraint walland divider wall and having a surface defined by a space between aninner surface of the support wall and an inner surface of the dividerwall; and a smooth bottom surface on the foot support body. The slidingboard can have a smooth top surface such that the bottom surface of thefoot support body is slidable over the top surface of the sliding board.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a slider (e.g.,weighted slider or non-weighted slider) having the smooth bottomsurface, wherein the slider is attached to a base of the foot supportbody opposite of the support wall and divider wall.

In some embodiments, the smooth bottom surface of the exercise deviceand the smooth top surface of the sliding board are cooperativelyconfigured for slidability of the smooth bottom surface of the exercisedevice relative to the smooth top surface of the sliding board.

In some embodiments, the sliding board includes at least one fold linethat partitions the sliding board into at least two sliding boardsegments such that the sliding board is foldable. In some aspects, atleast one sliding board segment of the at least two sliding boardsegments has a surface area that is about the same as a surface area ofthe smooth bottom surface. In some aspects, the smooth bottom surface ofthe exercise device is located on a sliding board segment of the foldedsliding board.

In some embodiments, the sliding board includes a substrate with aslidable layer thereon, wherein the slidable layer includes the smoothtop surface.

In some embodiments, the sliding board is a single member with orwithout a coating, wherein the smooth top surface is a top surface ofthe single member.

In some embodiments, the sliding board includes a weighted body.

In some embodiments, the sliding board includes a bottom surface that isconfigured to be rough or non-slidable.

In some embodiments, the exercise device is devoid of a weighted sliderattached to a base of the foot support body opposite of the support walland divider wall.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a compressible pad ona top surface of the foot support body to form the ankle bed rest. Insome aspects, the compressible pad extends between the support wall tothe divider wall and around the divider wall. In some aspects, thecompressible pad is memory foam, gel in pocket, bead bag, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sliding board is corrugated cardboard with orwithout one or more folds.

In some embodiments, the exercise device further comprises a smoothslider member having the smooth bottom surface, wherein the smoothslider member is attached to a base of the foot support body opposite ofthe support wall and divider wall. In some embodiments, the smoothslider member is plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polyurethane, or thelike).

In some embodiments, a method for supporting and restraining a patient'sknee region can include: providing the system of one of the embodiments;positioning the support wall of the exercise device under a knee regionof the patient; and performing flexion and/or extension of the knee ofthe patent while the knee is on the support wall of the exercise device.In some aspects, the method can include positioning the sliding boardunder the exercise device before positioning the support wall of theexercise device under the knee region of the patent.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a recess in the footsupport body located in the ankle bed rest, wherein the recess extendshorizontally between the divider wall and the support wall and therecess extends vertically at least a length equal to a width of thedivider wall.

In some embodiments, a method for supporting and restraining a patient'sankle is provided. Such a method can include: providing the systemhaving the exercise device and sliding board; positioning the exercisedevice under an ankle region of the patient with the sliding board underthe exercise device; placing the patient's ankle on the ankle bed restof the exercise device, thereby supporting the patient's ankle; andmaintaining another leg of the patient in a neutral position.

In some embodiments, the method can include exercising by one or moreof: with the patient lying on a side, the patient performing with oneleg and one foot one or more of hip flexion, hip extension, kneeflexion, and knee extension with the patient's foot inserted into theexercise device that is sliding on the sliding board, and the patient'sfoot in a side position; or with the patient lying in a supine position,performing with one leg and one foot of the patient one or more of hipabduction, hip adduction, knee plus hip flexion, and knee plus hipextension, with the patient's foot inserted into the exercise device andthe patient's foot pointing generally upward and with the exercisedevice sliding on the sliding board.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and following information as well as other features ofthis disclosure will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlyseveral embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are,therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosurewill be described with additional specificity and detail through use ofthe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercisedevice configured for exercising a lower limb of a patient.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sliding board thatcan be used for supporting an exercise device and for sliding theexercise device.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a sliding board.

FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of anexercise device configured for exercising a lower limb of a patient.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a patient's right foot being positioned onthe exercise device while the exercise device is on the sliding board.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a patient's left foot being positioned on theexercise device while the exercise device is on the sliding board.

FIG. 4 illustrates a user using the exercise device sliding on thesliding board for hip abduction, adduction.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user using the exercise device sliding on thesliding board for hip and knee flexion, extension.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user using the exercise device sliding on thesliding board for hip flexion, extension.

FIG. 7 illustrates a user using the exercise device sliding on thesliding board for knee flexion, extension.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of an exercise device with the footsupport body, the support wall, and the divider wall formed byattachment.

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of an exercise device with a softand/or compressible ankle support layer.

FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of an exercise device on a foldedsliding board in a package, bag, or container.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user with their knee region on the support wall ofthe exercise device for knee flexion, extension.

The elements and components in the figures can be arranged in accordancewith at least one of the embodiments described herein, and whicharrangement may be modified in accordance with the disclosure providedherein by one of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of thepresent disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated inthe figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

Generally, the present technology is related to a lower extremityexerciser and exercise system that includes a limb exercise device and asliding board adapted with a slidable surface that the exercise devicecan slide across. The lower extremity exerciser and exercise systemhaving the exercise device and sliding board can be used in methods forensuring proper limb support and isolated joint movement while thepatient is performing rehabilitative exercises on a soft, compressiblesurface (e.g., bed, exercise mat, etc.) to strengthen and restoremovement of their limbs following injury or surgery. The lower extremityexerciser and exercise system may be used to help patients in arehabilitative environment or other environment, such as for training orregular exercise. However, the lower extremity exerciser and exercisesystem is particularly useful when performing an exercise on a soft,compressible surface that may otherwise form depressions or recesses dueto weight of the device and limb of the patient because the slidingboard provides a flat slidable substrate without any depressions orrecesses. The flat slidable substrate can be laid on a soft,compressible surface and provide the flat surface to facilitate themovements and sliding of the exercise device. The flat slidablesubstrate can have a slick top surface that cooperates with a bottomsurface of the exercise device for easy sliding motions relative to eachother. While the slidable substrate may press into the soft,compressible surface during an exercise with the exercise device, theflat surface of the slidable substrate is of a suitable dimension forallowing the range of movements and sliding motions. The patient, oruser, may lie in positions that include supine position and sideposition, as well as prone position, to allow for various slidingmovements of the lower limb with the ankle joint supported and at leastpartially limited from certain movements by the exercise devicethroughout the sliding movement exercises across the slidable substrate.

In some embodiments, the exercise device may comprise a foot supportbody that includes a plurality of walls for providing support andrestraint. For example, a support wall and divider wall may be used toprevent rotational movements such as hip rotation and knee flexion.Support and isolation for the ankle joint may be found in an ankle bedrest, the ankle bed rest defined by a space between the support wall andthe divider wall such that a foot placed on the exercise device withankle in the ankle bed rest is prevented from rotational movements.

The sliding board allows for the exercise device to be used in slidingexercise movements. The exercise device may provide a slider with asmooth bottom surface that is attached at a base of the foot supportbody. This smooth bottom surface can be cooperatively configured withthe top sliding surface of the sliding board for improved performanceand ability to perform sliding exercises. Other features and advantagesmay be readily ascertained from the disclosure provided herein.

In some embodiments, the lower extremity exerciser and exercise systemmay comprise a exercise device having a foot support body that includesseveral walls for providing support and restraint of a foot. The systemalso includes a sliding board adapted to permit the exercise device toslide thereover. In some aspects, the exercise device can include asupport wall and divider wall than can be used to prevent rotationalmovements, such as hip rotation and knee flexion. In some aspects, theexercise device can be configured to provide support and isolation forthe ankle joint with an ankle bed rest, where the ankle bed rest can bedefined by a space between the support wall and the divider wall suchthat a foot placed on the exercise device with ankle in the ankle bedrest is prevented from rotational movements. The sliding board can beflat or configured to be laid out flat. In some aspects, the slidingboard is a single board that is flat and has a flat top surface and abottom surface. The flat top surface is adapted to have low friction sothat the bottom of the exercise device slides thereover. The bottom ofthe sliding board can be any surface, but may also be flat and may betextured, roughened, or otherwise configured to inhibit the slidingboard itself from sliding around during use. In some aspects, slidingexercise movements may further be facilitated with a weighted exercisedevice with a smooth bottom surface that is attached at a base of thefoot support body, which smooth bottom surface can be slidable acrossthe smooth top surface of the sliding board.

FIG. 1A includes a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercisedevice 100. As shown, the exercise device 100 can include a foot supportbody 110, support wall 112, inner rotation restraint 114 of support wall112, divider wall 116, inner right foot surface 118, inner left footsurface 120, ankle bed rest 122, bottom surface 124, right foot platform126, left foot platform 128, top surface 136 of support wall 112, topsurface 149 of divider wall 116, and divider inner side 132.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of an embodiment of a sliding board 150. FIG.1C shows a side view of the sliding board 150. As shown, the slidingboard 150 has a cross-sectional profile for the large area that isrectangular, but it can be any polygon, circular or other. The slidingboard 150 is sized and shaped to permit the exercise device 100 to slidethereover, and thereby has a top surface 152 with an area that issignificantly larger than an area of the bottom surface of the exercisedevice. The sliding board 150 includes the top surface 152 that isconfigured with a low friction surface, which allows the bottom surface124 of the exercise device 100 to slide there over. The sliding board150 can be a unitary member that is completely flat with no folds.However, in some aspects the sliding board 150 can include folds 154that allow for easier packing and storing of the sliding board 150. Thefolds 154 can be flattened out when the sliding board 150 is placed onan exercise surface to allow for easy sliding of the exercise device100. The folds 154 and sliding board 150 can be dimensioned such thateach segment 156 has a cross-sectional profile with a similar or samearea and shape as the bottom surface 124 of the exercise device. In someaspects, the sliding board 150 can have a thickness of about 0.01 to 2inches, 0.1-1.5 inches, or other, which may vary if needed.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the sliding board has a bottom surface 158 oppositeof the top surface 152. While the top surface 152 is flat and slidable,the bottom surface 158 does not need to be flat or slidable. However, itcan be advantageous for packaging and storing when the bottom surface158 is flat. It can be further advantageous if the bottom surface 158 isroughened, textured, or otherwise not slidable slipper, or have a lowcoefficient of friction. It is preferable that the bottom surface 158 isnot slidable so that the sliding board 150 stays in position during useand when the exercise device slides across the top surface 152.

FIG. 1C shows two different layers, which can include a top layer 162that includes the top surface 152 and a bottom layer 160 having thebottom surface 158. This can allow for two different materials to becombined to prepare the sliding board 150. Here, the top layer 162 isadapted as a low friction material so that the top surface 152 is lowfriction and slidable. The bottom layer 160 may have a bottom surface158 that is not slidable or that has high friction. However, it shouldbe recognized that other configurations are possible, such as a singlemember with a slidable top coating (e.g., top coating would be the toplayer 162) and the single member would function as the bottom layer 160.Also, a slidable or slippery member can have a bottom coating that isrough, textured, or otherwise configured to inhibit sliding, and therebythe bottom coating functions as the bottom layer 160. Any number ofadhesive or other layers can be placed between the top layer 162 and thebottom layer 160. For example, a support substrate and various adhesivelayers or adhesive regions can be included between the top layer 162 andthe bottom layer 160. In some instance, a single material or substratemay have a slippery top surface 152 and a roughened bottom surface 158.For example, a plastic substrate (e.g., polyethylene, urethane, etc.)may have a smooth top surface 152 and smooth bottom surface 158.

In some embodiments, the sliding board 150 may be a strong corrugatedcardboard body with or without a coating. The cardboard body can beslidable itself or coated with a paint or other coating that is slickwith a low fiction coefficient.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 can include a smooth bottomsurface 124 of polyethylene or urethane, which is slidable. Thecorresponding sliding board 150 may be strong corrugated cardboard.

The foot support body 110 may be a generally flat main body, including ablock shape with curved or rounded sides and corners as shown.Embodiments of the foot support body 110 can include the shape as beingoblong, circular, or other shapes as desired. The foot support body 110can have a length that may be longer than the cross-wise width or thecross-wise width may be longer than the length (e.g., in the plane ofthe body parallel with the bottom surface). Edges may be defined withsharp or curved edges, or a combination thereof.

From the foot support body 110, the support wall 112 (e.g., shown as ahalf circle shape, but could be other shape, such as square, rectangle,other polygon, elliptical, or other) extends vertically upward and islocated near or at along one side of the foot support body 110. Thesupport wall 112 may span a desired length along the width of the footsupport body 110, or span the entire side of the foot support body 110.Embodiments include that the support wall 112 have a length that extendsbeyond one or more foot support body edges, creating an overhang wallformation. The support wall 112 can function to provide support to theknee during extension/flexion, which can facilitate exercises. Thesupport wall 112 can also function to support different sides of thefoot during lateral sliding motions to prevent rotation of the foot byproviding an inner rotation restraint, and to provide a surface to pressthe foot against during sliding motions.

The shape, width, or wall thickness, of the support wall 112 may vary.As shown, the width may start at a side edge of the foot support body110 and end before a centerline or a center area of the foot supportbody 110. Embodiments include that the width not reach to the outer sideedge of the foot support body 110. Also, embodiments include widths thatreach the center area of the foot support body 110 or past the centerarea. Although the width of the support wall 112 is shown as beinghomogeneous with the inner rotation restraint side 114 extendingcrosswise from opposite ends in a perpendicular manner, the width mayhave varying dimensions such that the inner rotation restraint 114extends in a path that is not truly crosswise. For example, near or atthe center area where the ankle is located, the inner rotation restraint114 may have a hollowed out indention or space section. Thus, the widthof the inner rotation restraint 114 may be narrowed or tapered inwardnear or at the region where the ankle is located. The inner rotationrestraint 114 may have a notch or cavity removed to form the indention.Alternatively, an entire sectional portion of the restraint wall mayform the indention, forming a curved wall that tapers inward to form ahollowed section. Because the exercise devices may be used for bothfeet, there may be two hollowed sections, one for each foot. Also, theremay be one long hollowed section to accommodate each foot.

As shown, the top surface 136 of the support wall 112 may be curved,with a surface that curves around in an upside down cupping shape (e.g.,half circle or half disc). However, the top surface 136 can have anyshape and different embodiments can have different contours. Forexample, the size and shape of the top surface 136 or other features ofthe support wall 112 can be varied and modified in accordance with thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the support wall 112 can be a square orrectangle block. In other embodiments, the support wall can be a halfcircle or half ellipse. Any suitable number of tops may be provided,however. For example, instead of a curved shape, the top surface 136 maybe completely flat, creating a standard wall appearance (e.g., seedivider wall 116 with top 149). Alternatively, one or more visuallyappealing curvatures and shapes may be incorporated to the top surface136 to increase the appearance or functionality, and thus heighten userexperience. The top 149 of divider wall 116 may have similar types ofvariation in height, thickness, curvatures, and shapes.

Inner rotation restraint 114 of the support wall 112 is used to providea surface which can be used by a heel of the foot when, for example, auser is lying down in a side position, and pushing against the innerrotation restraint 114 to make leg movements, such as hip extension andknee flexion. When lying down in a side position with the foot in a sideposition, the foot rests on a right foot platform 126 or left footplatform 128, depending on which foot is using the exercise device 100.The portion of the right foot below the right ankle rests on the rightfoot platform 126, or in other words, the surface area of the footsupport body 110 that is above the divider wall 116. The portion of theleft foot below the left ankle rests on the left foot platform 128, orin other words, the surface area of the foot support body 110 that isbelow the divider wall.

Adjacent to the right foot platform 126 is the inner right foot surface118, or the surface of the divider wall intersecting with the right footplatform 126, which may be pushed against by right foot. Adjacent to theleft foot platform 128 is the inner left foot surface 120, or thesurface of the divider wall intersecting with the left foot platform128, which may be pushed against by the left foot.

When the left foot is being used with the exercise device 100, it isflipped around, or rotated 180 degrees, such that the left foot platform128 area is positioned where the right foot platform 126 is for theright foot. When flipped around, the support wall 112 is positioned onthe opposite side as where it is positioned for the right foot.

When lying down in a supine position with toes pointed generally upward,outer side of the foot may be used to push against the inner rotationrestraint 114 of the support wall 112 to make leg movements, such as hipabduction. Additional movements may be possible by pushing against thesupport wall 112.

Also supporting movement and preventing rotational movement is innerrotation restraint 132 of divider wall 116. As shown, divider wall 116extends vertically upward from the foot support body 110, similar to thesupport wall 112. The divider wall 116 extends transversely, orcrosswise, along the foot support body 110, from a side opposite andacross from the support wall 112, to a location at or near a mid-sectionof the foot support body 110. The manner in which the divider wall 116extends may be parallel to a lengthwise axis of the foot support body110. In other words, the divider wall 116 may extend perpendicularlyfrom the midpoint of the side. Alternatively, the divider wall 116 mayextend from a point other than the midpoint of the side. The dividerwall 116 may extend past the side of the support body to create anoverhang. The width, or thickness, of the divider wall 116 may besimilar in proportion to a width of all or a portion of a standard ankleor heel portion. The width of the divider wall 116 may be similar to orthe same as the width of the support wall 112. The width may bedimensioned more or less as desired. The width may vary along the lengthof the divider wall to provide a desired point of contact with the foot.Other variations may be made with the disclosure provided herein.

One or both of the support wall 112 and the divider wall 116 may extendgenerally vertically upward to a height of at least a general footlength according to anatomical measurements of a standard person. Astandard person is a mathematical model of a person based on anysuitable data that simulates a person's size, body proportions, and thelike. The model can be based upon data, for example, used in theclothing and shoe industry to define sizes for apparel and the like. Thestandard person used and the data set used to derive the standard personis chosen with the user of the exercise device 100 in mind and can bebased upon average values of body proportions from any sample of thepopulation from, for example, total population, gender, age, body sizeor weight, nationality, or the like. The standard person may also bebased upon any particular individual, or group of individuals. Thus, thestandard person for a particular exercise device 100 may be designed formarketing to the public in general or be customized to fit a particulargroup of people, or to fit an individual. The device can be sized foryouth (5-18), young adults (18-29), adults (29-50), older adults(50-65), and elderly people (65+). For example, the sizing can range fora shoe size of 13 youth to a 15 adult, or custom sizes can be made forlarger or smaller feet.

Accordingly, the heights of the support wall 112 and the divider wall116 may be the same or different. Embodiments include that the height beincreased and decreased using panels or removable wall elements.Standard adhesives, clips, screws, straps, or other means may be usedfor securement of the panels or removable wall elements.

An ankle bed rest 122 is shown with a surface defined by a space betweenthe inner rotation restraint 114 of the support wall 112 and the innerside 132 of the divider wall 116 such that a foot placed on the exercisedevice 100 with the ankle in the ankle bed rest 122 is prevented fromcertain rotational movements during movements associated with extensionand flexion of a leg and/or knee. The ankle bed rest 122 may be spacedto provide a tight fit or relaxed fit. Furthermore, the ankle bed rest122 may be spaced with ample wiggle room to the extent that that theankle need not even touch the inner rotational restraint (e.g., innerside) 114 and inner side 132, at least when at rest.

Embodiments include that the ankle bed rest 122 have adjustments suchthat the space may be increased or decreased, as needed, or the sizingcan be customized for individual patients. For example, the divider wall116 may be lengthened or shortened as needed or desired. The dividerwall 116 may move inward and outward along the foot support body 110 toform a smaller or larger space, respectively. Alternatively, inserts maybe added and removed to either or both the inner side 132 of the dividerwall 116 and the inner rotation restraint 114 of the support wall 112 tochange the size of the ankle bed rest space. Appropriate attachments foradjustments may include screws, clamps, straps, and other means commonlyknown in the art.

Also, materials may be added to provide further support, compression,structure, and weight. For example, cushioning (e.g., memory foam, gelpacks, bean bags) may be added along the inner rotation restraint 114 ofthe support wall 112 or inner side 132 of the divider wall 116 toprovide a snug or tight fit when a foot is inserted. Cushioning may beadded along the inner rotation restraint 114 of the support wall 112 orthe inner side 132 of the divider wall 116 in specific areas, forexample, near or at the location where the ankle is anticipated to beplaced. Alternatively, cushioning may be added on only one side, theinner rotation restraint 114 of the support wall 112 or the inner side132 of the divider wall 116 at or near the location where the ankle isanticipated to be placed. Cushioning may be added with cutaways orsurface definitions in the shape of a standard foot corresponding tovarious positions anticipated for the foot.

For structural stability and support, weighted elements may be addedwithin the interior or on the exterior of the support wall 112, thedivider wall 116, ankle bed rest 122, or other areas of the exercisedevice 100. For example, the support wall 112 may further comprise astiff layer, such as an aluminum surface layer or siding, located alongthe inner rotation restraint 114 to protect and provide structuralsupport for the support wall 112. The body 110 of the exercise device100 can be made of various materials, such as described herein. The body110 is typically made of a rigid or structurally strong material, suchas a plastic, hard foam, metal, composite, or other material. The body110 provides stability when the patient is performing the exercises, andsoft cushioning can be used to provide comfort while using the exercisedevice 100 Other support elements may be readily ascertained.

The support wall 112, along with the divider wall 116, preventsrotational movement of the hip. The following movements may be limitedor prevented entirely:

Dorsiflexion: Bending the foot at the ankle toward the shin (bending thefoot upward).

Plantar flexion: Bending the foot at the ankle toward the sole (bendingthe foot downward).

Eversion: Turning the foot so the sole faces laterally.

Inversion: Turning the foot so the sole faces medially.

Circumduction: Moving a part so that its end follows a circular path(moving the toes in a circular motion without significantly moving theankle).

Other movements may be limited or prevented also. In addition topreventing movements of the foot, the exercise device preventsrotational movements of the leg. Internal and external rotation of theknee or leg may be prevented. For example, the knee may be preventedfrom turning inwardly or outwardly to face a direction other than adirection that is parallel to the direction of the foot. The footnaturally tends to turn away from the body when lying in a supineposition and such rotation of the foot provides torque or torsionaleffects on the leg. The support wall 112, however, prevents this fromhappening.

In preventing rotation, a leg may be forced to stay in a generally fixedposition such that ice may be applied to a region of the leg to reduceswelling or ease pain (and gain extension motion at the knee). Inproviding support, orthopedic and neurological patients with reducedstrength or limited mobility may be able to accomplish therehabilitative therapy needed to regain strength, lasting mobility, andeven recovery of full range of motion. Along with providing support, theankle bed rest 122 is advantageous because it makes the exercise device100 easy to put on and take off.

At a base or bottom of the foot support body 110 is a bottom surface 124that is configured as a sliding surface. In some embodiments, the bottomsurface 124 is formed by a slider member 125 may comprise a slider bodythat is weighted and has a smooth bottom surface 124 attached to thebase of the foot support body 110. The smooth bottom surface 124 may beslick to allow the device to slide or glide with relative ease along thetop surface 152 of the sliding board 150. The top surface 152 of thesliding board 150 and bottom surface 124 can be various types ofslidable, slick, or low friction (e.g., low coefficient of friction)surfaces. The slider member 125 may be attached in a flush manner withthe base of the foot support body 110 such that the entire surface ofthe slider member 125 rests flat against the base of the foot supportbody 110. The slider member 125 (e.g., which may be weighted) maycomprise wood, plastic, metal, composite, laminate, or other material,and correspondingly the sliding board 150 can be prepared of these samematerials. The top surface 152 of the sliding board 150 and the bottomsurface 124 of the exercise device 100 may be polished, such as polishedwood, or polished laminate, or polished plastic, which can improveslickness and slidability.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 150 and particularly the slidermember 125 can be weighted. The weighting is useful because it providessupport as well as a stable platform on the bottom of the foot supportbody 110. It is also useful in movements associated with the orthopedicexercises that can be performed with the exercise device 100, such asgliding in back and forth movements across the sliding board 150.Because the foot support body 110 may not be rigid, the slider member125 may provide added rigidity and stability that strengthens theexercise device 100. The sliding board 150 may similarly be weighted toprovide a heavy platform on top of which the exercise device 100 canslide.

FIG. 1D illustrates another embodiment of an exercise device 200 thatcan be used with the sliding board 150 of FIGS. 1B-1C. The exercisedevice 200 can include a foot support body 210, rotation restraint wall212, inner side 214 (e.g., inner rotation restraint surface) of rotationrestraint wall 212, divider wall 216, inner right foot surface 218,inner left foot surface 220, bottom surface 224, top platform 226,bottom platform 228, divider inner side 232, top surface 236 of rotationrestraint wall 212, top surface 249 of divider wall 216, angledsidewalls 238 and 239 extending from a notched ankle bed rest 222, andskin layer 240.

Generally, the exercise device 200 can be configured as described inconnection with exercise device 100 with the addition of a recess 237(e.g., notched ankle bed rest 222) between the top platform 226 andbottom platform 228. The recess 237 is formed by the angled sidewalls238 and 239 extending from a notched ankle bed rest 222.

The system includes the sliding board of FIGS. 1B-1C and exercise device200 of FIG. 1D. The exercise device 200 includes a rotation restraintwall 212 to provide support and stability for the ankle during slidingmovement exercises. Also, the exercise device 200 prevents rotation,such as internal rotation and external rotation, of the knee. The ankleis also prevented from joint rotations.

For sliding movements, the rotation restraint wall 212 and the dividerwall 216 restrain movement of the foot. With the right foot resting onthe top platform 226, the inner right foot surface 218 of the dividerwall 216 may be pressed against by a top front area of the right foot.With the left foot resting on the bottom platform 228, the inner leftfoot surface of the divider wall 216 may be pressed against by a topfront area of the left foot.

An ankle may be placed between the divider inner side 232 and the innerside 214 of the rotation restraint wall 212 and the foot may pressagainst the inner sides 214 and 232 during sliding movements, whetherthe user is in a side position, supine position or other position.

The top surface 236 of the rotation restraint wall 212 and the topsurface 249 of the divider wall 216 may have variations in height,variations in design, as well as variations in location, as desired andas described in connection to the exercise device 100. Heights maycorrespond to standard feet length or slightly longer, such as 1 to 2inches longer than standard feet length. The heights may be the same ordifferent. One of the walls 212 and 216 may be weighted or havematerials added to increase durability and strength in the wall.

For the ankle, embodiments may include the notched ankle bed rest 222,which includes a notch, divot, recess, or carved cutout area that isanatomically dimensioned with lengths and widths, circumference, edging,or other dimensioning, that conform to a standard heel and standardankle member. The area may be larger or somewhat smaller than a heel andankle member. The recess may be a general ankle width or heel width indepth, corresponding to standard anatomical measurements. The recess mayextend horizontally between the divider wall 216 and the rotationrestraint wall 212. Also, the recess may extend vertically at least alength equal to a width of the divider wall 216. The recess may furtherextend to a length greater than the width of the divider wall 216. Therecess may span up to the entire width of the foot support body 210.

This recessed area may provide a meaningful grip for the heel or ankleto use and to apply pressure when pushing and pulling, extending andretracting, and performing movements provided herein. The ankle and heelmay rest comfortably within the recess of the ankle bed rest 222, withplacement that conforms to and supports the user's foot and ankle inuse.

Note that the ankle bed rest 222 may have angled sidewalls 238 and 239on opposing sides, as shown. The sidewalls 238 and 239 may havecurvature, such as a seamless curvature from horizontal to verticalpositions, such that there are no sharp edges. Alternatives include thatthe sidewalls 238 and 239 extend generally vertical upward, like therotation restraint wall 212 and the divider wall 216. Edges may becurved or have other surfacing features. Edges, as well as othersurfaces described herein, may be smooth, pebbled, rough-textured,contoured, or have other features that improve and aid the userexperience. For example, a textured surface may improve foot grip withthe exercise device. Embodiments further include that the ankle bed rest222 have cushioning to provide comfort. Extra cushioning material orpadding may be added to provide a snug fit for the ankle and furtherprevent joint rotational movements.

Embodiments further include that the foot support body 210 has a heightand/or flexibility, coupled with sufficient firmness, so as to maintaina minimum elevation of the patient's ankle of one inch up to one foot,from the surface beneath the exercise device 200, whether it be a groundsurface, level plane, or uneven terrain, during use. Also, embodimentsinclude that the foot support body 210 has a firmness with sufficientyield to reduce pressure at and provide a comfortable support forhigh-pressure, soft-tissue areas. Other parts of the slider support bodymay share these characteristics. The foot support body 210 can be madeof the same materials as the exercise device 100, which can includememory foams for malleable embodiments or rigid foams, plastics, metals,or the like.

The exercise device 200 may have a skin layer 240. The skin layer 240may comprise a coating or extra surface layer on the exterior surface ofthe exercise device 200, which may also be included on the exercisedevice 100. The skin layer 240 may cover the bottom surface 224, or thebottom surface 224 may be devoid of the skin layer. In some instances,the skin layer 240 is textured or has a high friction coefficient, andthereby the bottom surface 224 may omit the skin layer 240. However,embodiments can include that the skin layer 240 be a covering thatuniformly surrounds the entire exercise device 200. Embodiments furtherinclude that the skin layer 240 cover one or more of the foot supportbody 210, the rotation restraint wall 212, the divider wall 216, and theslider member 225 separately.

The skin layer 240 may comprise a polymer coating or other coating. Notethat the skin layer 240 may make the exercise device 200 impermeable,fluid-impermeable, stain-resistant, radiolucent, or have other featuresthat enable the exercise device 200 to be reusable.

Moreover, it should be recognized that features of the exercise device100 can be applied to the exercise device 200, and vice versa.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an embodiment of positioning of a right foot 442inserted into the exercise device 100, which the exercise device 100being slidably located on the sliding board 150. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, aleft foot 446 is shown inserted into the exercise device 100. Thedivider wall 116 separates a right foot platform 126 and inner rightfoot surface 118 for right foot support and a left foot platform 128 andinner left foot surface 120 for left foot support. The right footplatform 126 and left foot platform 128 may be generally equal indimension, however the surface areas may differ. The area provided mayallow for a foot or a distal region of the foot to be supported before,during, and after movement. Because of the divider wall 116 and thesupport wall 112, the foot is prevented from making movements such asdorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and other movements discussed herein. Thetop surface can include the right foot platform 126 and left footplatform 128 separated by an ankle rest bed 122, which all can be aunitary surface or unitary member. The entire top surface may beconsidered a foot rest bed having the right foot platform 126 and leftfoot platform 128 separated by an ankle rest bed 122.

For the ankle bed rest 122, the location of the inner rotation restraint114 of support wall 112 and inner side 132 of divider wall 116 may vary,depending on the desired placement of the ankle relative to the footsupport body 110. With the inner rotation restraint 114 of the rotationrestraint wall and inner side of divider wall 116 defining a centralarea relative to the foot support body 110, the ankle bed rest 122 maybe centered on the foot support body 110. Embodiments include placementof the ankle bed rest 122 directly above the center of mass of the footsupport body 110, which may not be a center relative to the plan viewarea of the foot support body 110. Embodiments include that the anklebed rest 122 be located off center to the left or off center to theright of the foot support body 110. Further embodiments include that theankle bed rest 122 be located above center or below center relative tothe area of the foot support body 110. Thus, the ankle of right foot 442may be properly isolated with restricted movement whether the user islying in a supine position with toes facing generally upward or whetherthe user is lying on a side with toes facing toward a side.

In some embodiments, the bottom surface 124, 224 of any embodiment ofthe exercise device 100, 200 can be part of the body that is adapted tobe slidable with or without the sliding board or can be a slidablemember attached to a bottom of the body of exercise device. In anyconfiguration, the bottom surface 124, 224 can be slidable with orwithout the sliding board. While the embodiments show use with thesliding board, which is useful on a soft or compressible surface (e.g.,on bed), the exercise device 100, 200 can be used without the slidingboard, such as when the user is on a harder surface that does not sinkor form a recess that inhibits sliding. The bottom surface 124, 224 canbe a smooth surface of the body or base plate that may or may not beadhered or fastened in any way to a bottom of the body of the exercisedevice 100, 200. The smooth surface or base plate may be, but notlimited to, wood, plastic or metal or other material that aids in theease of sliding of the supportive exercise device 100, 200 whethersliding on the sliding board or on any other surface. The sliding isachieved by reducing the minimal force required to initiate and maintaina sliding movement of the supportive exercise device 100, 200 when underthe compressive load applied by the weight of the users supported lowerextremity.

As indicated above, the FIGS. 3A and 3B show a left foot 446 insertedinto the exercise device 100, which the exercise device 100 beingslidably located on the sliding board 150. FIG. 3A shows a side positionand FIG. 3B shows a supine position. Because both left and right feetcan be used with the device, the exercise device 100 may help peoplewith injuries, disabilities, weakness, or impaired mobility that occurson either or both lower extremities. The user does not require aseparate device for each foot. The user simply performs exercises on onefoot, flips the device around, and performs exercises on the other foot.

FIGS. 4-7 show some examples of exercise movements that may be performedwith the exercise device 100 sliding on the sliding board 150. In FIG.4, a user is lying in a supine position and performs hip abduction andadduction movements with a lower limb inserted in the exercise device100 that is sliding on the sliding board 150, while the other limbremains in a neutral position. Here, the right leg 452 moves while theleft leg 453 stays in a neutral position. Also, the left leg can be usedto hold down the sliding board 150 so that it does not move. With theexercise device 100 rotated 180 degrees, the left foot 446 may make theabduction and adduction movements to slide the exercise device 100across the sliding board 150, while the right foot 442 remains in aneutral position and optionally holding down the sliding board 150.While using the exercise device 100 sliding on the sliding board 150,the right knee 154 may be prevented from external and internal rotation.Furthermore, the right ankle 456 may be prevented from variousrotational movements described herein. Note that the knee and anklerotation movements may be isolated in all of the movements describedherein.

FIG. 5 shows a user that is in a seated or otherwise supine/reclinedposition and performs combined knee plus hip flexion and extensionmovements with one lower limb in the exercise device 100 sliding on thesliding board 150, while the other limb remains in a neutral position.Here, the right foot 442 performs knee plus hip flexion and extensionwhile the left foot 446 remains neutral. With the exercise device 100rotated 180 degrees on the sliding board 150, the left leg may performhip flexion and extension while the right leg remains neutral.

FIG. 6 shows a user that is positioned on a side and performing hipflexion and extension movements with one lower limb in the exercisedevice 100 sliding on the sliding board 150 while the other limb remainsin a neutral position. Here, the right leg 452 performs hip flexion andextension while the left leg 453 remains neutral. With the exercisedevice 100 rotated 180 degrees on the sliding board 150, the left leg453 may perform hip flexion and extension while the right leg 452remains neutral.

FIG. 7 shows a user that is positioned on a side and performing kneeflexion and extension movements with a lower limb in the exercise device10 sliding on the sliding board 150, while the other limb remains in aneutral position. Here, the right leg 452 performs knee flexion andextension while the left leg 453 remains neutral. Turning the exercisedevice 100 around 180 degrees on the sliding board 150, the left leg 453may perform knee flexion and extension while the right leg 452 remainsneutral.

FIG. 9 shows a user that is positioned with their knee (e.g., right knee454, but can also be left knee) resting on the support wall 112 of theexercise device 100. The sliding board 150 can be placed under theexercise device, and may be in a folded or unfolded state. When folded,the sliding board 150 can provide increased elevation of the knee. Whenunfolded, the sliding board 150 can provide some additional elevationand/or can be used for sliding the knee medial and lateral. While theknee is on the exercise device 100, the user can perform extension andflexion movements as shown.

Embodiments also include further exercises that can be performed withthe exercise device 100 sliding on the sliding board 150. Embodimentsalso include isolation such that no movement is performed. Embodimentsfurther include exercises where both lower limbs have movement.

Although the exercise device 100 may include that the foot support body,the rotation restraint wall, and the divider wall be formed from onebody such that no attachment is required, alternatives include theelements being attached. Turning to FIG. 8A, an exercise device 300 isshown with separate elements of a foot support body 310, a rotationrestraint wall 312, a divider wall 326 formed by attachment, an anklebed rest 314 between the rotation restraint wall 312 and divider wall326, and a weighted slider member 316 beneath the foot support body 310and the rotation restraint wall 312. The rotation restraint wall 312 andthe divider wall 326 may be attached to the foot support body 310 by anadhesive or other secure means commonly known in the art. Alternatively,a skin layer 340 may be used to secure the rotation restraint wall 312and the divider wall 326 to the foot support body 310. The exercisedevice 300 can be used with the sliding board 150 as part of an exercisesystem, which can be used to perform the exercises described andillustrated herein. However, in some aspects, the weighted slider member316 can be omitted. Alternatively, the element 316 can refer to aslidable member that can be attached to the base of the body 310, or aslidable coating on the base of the body 310. Element 316 may merelyrefer to the smooth bottom surface that is the base surface of the body310.

FIG. 8B shows the exercise device 300 with a heel pad 330, which can belocated on the top surface of the body 310, and the heel pad 330 canprovide the ankle bed rest 314. The heel pad 330 can cover the entiretop surface of the body 310 except for the divider wall 326 and rotationrestraint wall 312, or portions thereof. The heel pad 330 can bebeneficial due to the type of use of the exercise device. In someinstances, a post-surgery patient can get tired of exercises and need arest, which may happen with their foot still in the exercise device 300.As such, the heel pad 330 is soft and allows for the patient to resttheir foot on it. Also, the patient may fall asleep and the softness ofthe heel pad 330 prevents any injury or problems with the foot. Avoidingirritations to the foot can be important post-surgery. The heel pad 330can be memory foam, gel in pocket, or beanbag, wherein memory foam canbe preferred.

FIG. 8C shows the exercise device 300 being located on a folded slidingboard 150. As can be see, the base of the exercise device 300 is aboutthe same size as a segment 156 of the sliding board 150. This allows forthe folds 154 to be aligned with edges of the base of the body 310. Thisstacking also allows for easy packaging and storage of the exercisedevice 300 on the folded sliding board 150.

FIG. 8C also shows the exercise device 300 on the folded sliding board150 in a package or carrier 360. This packaging can be typicalmanufacturing packaging to sell the produce or the carrier can be anytype of device carrier, such as a bag.

In some embodiments, one or more of the foot support body, rotationrestraint wall, and the divider wall may be made of lightweight polymerfoam, open cell polyurethane, foams, plastics, composites, metal,rubber, and other types of material.

In some embodiments, the sliding board can include a substrate that canbe made of one or more of plastics, cardboard, woods, metals or otherrigid materials, which may be unitary or segments linked together atfolds. In some instances, the substrate can form the smooth sliding topsurface. In some instances, a slidable low friction coating, such asTeflon, can be applied to the substrate.

In some embodiments, the exercise system having the exercise device andsliding board is used in methods of exercise on a bed, such as a homebed or hospital bed. This allows for full leg extension in the first fewdays after surgery. As such, the system can be used immediately aftersurgery on the hospital bed or home bed. The sliding board inhibits theexercise device embedding into, digging into, or otherwise forming arecess in a mattress of a bed. The sliding board allows for use of theexercise device on soft surfaces by providing a solid flat surface forsliding the exercise device over.

In some embodiments, the exercise device can include lightweightmaterials or malleable materials. The exercise device can be open cellpolyurethane, and may be configured for use with a single patient. Theexercise device can be disposable or disposed of after use by the singlepatient.

In some embodiments, the exercise device can be devoid of a weightedslider attached to the bottom of the body. As such, the body of theexercise device can be adapted to be slidable without also having aweighted slider member attached to the exercise device. For example, abottom surface of the body of the exercise device can be processed to besmooth or have a smooth coating applied thereto. A smooth layer may alsobe attached, but the smooth layer may or may not be weighted.

In some embodiments, an exercise device can include: a foot supportbody; a rotation restraint wall extending vertically upward from thefoot support body and located along one side of the foot support body; adivider wall extending vertically upward from the support body andextending transversely from an opposing side of the foot support body,an ankle bed rest with a surface defined by a space between an innersurface of the rotation restraint wall and an inner surface of thedivider wall such that a foot placed on the exercise device with anankle of the foot in the ankle bed rest is prevented from rotationalmovements during extension and flexion of a leg; and a smooth bottomsurface, which may be the bottom of the foot support body, a layer, acoating, or slidable member.

In some embodiments, a slider with a smooth bottom surface is attachedin a flush manner to a base of the foot support body such that an entiresurface of the slider rests flat against the base of the foot supportbody. In some aspects, the slider comprises polished wood or a polishedlaminate or polyethylene or polyurethane.

In some embodiments, a recess is formed in the foot support body locatedin the ankle bed rest. In some aspects, the recess extends horizontallybetween the divider wall and the rotation restraint wall. In someaspects, the recess extends vertically at least a length equal to awidth of the divider wall.

In some embodiments, a skin layer is provided that includes a polymercoating around an outer surface of the exercise device. In some aspects,the skin layer includes a polymer coating around the one or more of thefoot support body, the rotation restraint wall, the divider wall, andthe slider. In some aspects, a protective layer is around an outersurface of the exercise device that makes the exercise device reusable.

In some embodiments, the divider wall separates a top space for a rightfoot support and a bottom space for a left foot support. In someaspects, the foot support body prevents rotational movement of one ormore of dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, andcircumlocution. In some aspects, the foot support body, rotationrestraint wall, and the divider wall are made of lightweight polymerfoam. In some aspects, the foot support body, the rotation restraintwall, and the divider wall comprises open cell polyurethane material. Insome aspects, the rotation restraint wall and the divider wall areattached to the foot support body by an adhesive. In some aspects, thefoot support body, the rotation restraint wall, and the divider wall areformed from one body such that no attachment is required.

In some embodiments, a method for supporting and restraining a patient'sankle while performing leg exercises is provided. Such a method caninclude: with a patient lying on a side, positioning an exercise deviceunder an ankle region of the patient; placing the patient's ankle on anankle bed rest of the device, thereby supporting the patient's ankle;the patient performing with one leg and one foot one or more of hipflexion, hip extension, knee flexion, and knee extension with thepatient's foot inserted into the exercise device and the patient's footin a side position; and maintaining another leg of the patient in aneutral position. The device can be located and slidable over a slidingboard configured as described herein.

In some exercise embodiments, the patient can be lying in a supineposition, performing with one leg and one foot of the patient one ormore of hip abduction, hip adduction, knee plus hip flexion, and kneeplus hip extension, with the patient's foot inserted into the exercisedevice and the patient's foot pointing generally upward; and maintaininganother leg of the patient in a neutral position.

In some embodiments, the exercise device can include: a foot supportbody; a rotation restraint wall extending vertically upward from thefoot support body and located along one side of the foot support body; adivider wall extending vertically upward from the support body andextending transversely from an opposing side of the foot support body,an ankle bed rest with a surface defined by a space between an innersurface of the rotation restraint wall and an inner surface of thedivider wall such that a foot placed on the exercise device with anankle of the foot in the ankle bed rest is prevented from rotationalmovements during extension and flexion of a leg; and a weighted sliderwith a smooth bottom surface that is attached to a base of the footsupport body, wherein the foot support body, rotation restraint wall,and the divider wall are made of lightweight polymer foam.

In some embodiments, the exercise device can include: a foot supportbody; a rotation restraint wall extending vertically upward from thefoot support body and located along one side of the foot support body; adivider wall extending vertically upward from the support body andextending transversely from an opposing side of the foot support body,an ankle bed rest with a surface defined by a space between an innersurface of the rotation restraint wall and an inner surface of thedivider wall such that a foot placed on the exercise device with anankle of the foot in the ankle bed rest is prevented from rotationalmovements during extension and flexion of a leg; and a weighted sliderwith a smooth bottom surface that is attached to a base of the footsupport body, wherein the foot support body, the rotation restraintwall, and the divider wall comprises open cell polyurethane material.

In some embodiments, the exercise device can include: a foot supportbody; a rotation restraint wall extending vertically upward from thefoot support body and located along one side of the foot support body; adivider wall extending vertically upward from the support body andextending transversely from an opposing side of the foot support body,an ankle bed rest with a surface defined by a space between an innersurface of the rotation restraint wall and an inner surface of thedivider wall such that a foot placed on the exercise device with anankle of the foot in the ankle bed rest is prevented from rotationalmovements during extension and flexion of a leg; and a weighted sliderwith a smooth bottom surface that is attached to a base of the footsupport body, wherein the weighted slider comprises polished wood or apolished laminate.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope ofthe disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, and that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intendedto be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

All references recited herein are incorporated herein by specificreference in their entirety.

1. An exercise system comprising: an exercise device comprising: a footsupport body; a support wall extending vertically upward from the footsupport body and located along a first side of the foot support body; adivider wall extending vertically upward from the support body andextending transversely toward the support wall from an opposing secondside of the foot support body; an ankle bed rest between the rotationalrestraint wall and second side around the divider wall; and a smoothbottom surface on the foot support body; and a sliding board having asmooth top surface such that the bottom surface of the foot support bodyis slidable over the top surface of the sliding board.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the exercise device further comprises a slider havingthe smooth bottom surface, wherein the slider is attached to a base ofthe foot support body opposite of the support wall and divider wall. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the smooth bottom surface of the exercisedevice and the smooth top surface of the sliding board are cooperativelyconfigured for slidability of the smooth bottom surface of the exercisedevice relative to the smooth top surface of the sliding board.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sliding board includes at least one foldline that partitions the sliding board into at least two sliding boardsegments such that the sliding board is foldable.
 5. The system of claim4, wherein at least one sliding board segment of the at least twosliding board segments has a surface area that is about the same as asurface area of the smooth bottom surface.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the smooth bottom surface of the exercise device is located on asliding board segment of the folded sliding board.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the sliding board includes a substrate with a slidablelayer thereon, wherein the slidable layer includes the smooth topsurface.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sliding board is a singlemember with or without a coating, wherein the smooth top surface is atop surface of the single member.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thesliding board includes a weighted body.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the sliding board includes a bottom surface that is configuredto be rough or non-slidable.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein theexercise device is devoid of a weighted slider attached to a base of thefoot support body opposite of the support wall and divider wall.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the exercise device includes a compressiblepad on a top surface of the foot support body to form the ankle bedrest.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible pad extendsfrom the support wall and around the divider wall.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the compressible pad is memory foam, gel in pocket,bead bag, or combinations thereof.
 15. The system of claim 1, whereinthe sliding board is corrugated cardboard with or without one or morefolds.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the exercise device furthercomprises a smooth slider member having the smooth bottom surface,wherein the smooth slider member is attached to a base of the footsupport body opposite of the support wall and divider wall.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the smooth slider member is plastic.
 18. Thesystem in claim 1, further comprising a recess in the foot support bodylocated in the ankle bed rest, wherein the recess extends horizontallybetween the divider wall and the support wall and the recess extendsvertically at least a length equal to a width of the divider wall.
 19. Amethod for supporting and restraining a patient's ankle, the methodcomprising: providing the system of claim 1; positioning the exercisedevice under an ankle region of the patient with the sliding board underthe exercise device; placing the patient's ankle on the ankle bed restof the exercise device, thereby supporting the patient's ankle while theexercise device is on the sliding board; and maintaining another leg ofthe patient in a neutral position.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising one or more of; with the patient lying on a side, the patientperforming with one leg and one foot one or more of hip flexion, hipextension, knee flexion, and knee extension with the patient's footinserted into the exercise device that is sliding on the sliding board,and the patient's foot in a side position; or with the patient lying ina supine position, performing with one leg and one foot of the patientone or more of hip abduction, hip adduction, knee plus hip flexion, andknee plus hip extension, with the patient's foot inserted into theexercise device and the patient's foot pointing generally upward,wherein the exercise device slides on the sliding board.
 21. A methodfor supporting and restraining a patient's ankle, the method comprising:providing the system of claim 1; positioning the support wall of theexercise device under a knee region of the patient; and performingflexion and/or extension of the knee of the patent while the knee is onthe support wall of the exercise device.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising positioning the sliding board under the exercisedevice before positioning the support wall of the exercise device underthe knee region of the patent.